10 Red Dwarf Fates Worse Than Death
8. Contracting The Epideme Virus
Series 7 is a very divisive season for Dwarf fans, but, it has to be said, the concept of the Epideme virus was rather terrifying.
Originally conceived to rival the nicotine patch, Epideme developed sentience and maliciously blocked ALL of the host's needs, instead of focusing solely on their cravings for a Marlboro.
Once the host succumbs to the virus, their body then becomes a puppet for Epideme to stroll around in seeking a replacement.
Does this mean the host is actually dead? Difficult to say, as Caroline Carmen (who gives the virus to Lister) remained suspended in cryonic ice for millions of years, waiting patiently for a new host to arrive.
Epideme may have gained sentience, but surely some facet of the original owner of the commandeered vessel must remain trapped with the universe's most charismatic virus, right?
Red Dwarf's take on zombies is both hilarious and toe curling. Black Mirror's got nothing on this.